The long-serving member for Paterson made the shock announcement on Saturday ahead of a meeting with Liberal Party members where its understood he was to be endorsed as the party’s candidate for the next election.

“After much consideration and serious deliberation I have decided to withdraw my nomination and will not contest the seat of Paterson at the next election,” he said.

“I have not come to the decision lightly and I feel it is time to move on with my life and allow others the opportunity to fulfil their dreams of entering parliament with fresh enthusiasm.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the community over so many terms and I feel I left a legacy of many successful projects after working in conjunction with the community and all levels of government.

“I am proud to have represented the Liberal Party in Paterson for 17 of the past 20 years. I also feel privileged to have served on the Federal executive in both Government and Opposition and I thank the party for that opportunity.”

Mr Baldwin’s departure opens the door for two-time Newcastle state candidate Karen Howard, who nominated but later withdrew.

His future had been the subject of speculation after the NSW federal redistribution turned his previously safe seat notionally Labor.

The shift in demographics, which saw the seat lose much of its conservative stronghold in the north and pick up Labor voting areas in the west, meant what was a 9.8 per cent Liberal margin was instead a 1.3 per cent Labor hold.

Former radio presenter Meryl Swanson is the Labor candidate for Paterson.